About the Basic BSN Program
The University of Wyoming Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing boasts a "small school"
atmosphere, accepting a maximum of 48 students into the nursing major each year. Students
receive plenty of face time with professors in addition to hands-on training in our
superb labs and facilities.
While classes are based in Laramie, clinical sites are mainly in Laramie and Cheyenne,
with travel being the responsibility of the students. The capstone practicum in the
spring semester of the senior year may require a student to travel to and/or live
in one of our Wyoming communities for clinical placement.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has accredited the University of Wyoming's
Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing's baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral nursing programs.
The University of Wyoming's School of Nursing has a long history of accreditation.
Freshman/Non-Freshman Admission to the Nursing Major: This Basic B.S.N. plan includes three semesters of pre-clinical coursework and six
semesters (which includes one summer semester) of clinical coursework.
Freshman Admission to the Nursing Major: Students who are graduating from high school (or recent high school graduates) and
who have not completed any college credits post-high school (excludes any taken during
high school) may apply for Freshman Admission to the Nursing Major to start at UW
in the fall semester. Freshmen admitted to the nursing major will begin the clinical
component of Basic B.S.N. in the spring semester of the sophomore year. Freshman admits
must successfully complete the pre-clinical coursework outlined in the first three
semesters of the Basic B.S.N. Program of Study by the end of the sophomore fall semester.
Non-Freshman Admission to the Nursing Major: Students not offered freshman admission to the nursing major (e.g. Basic B.S.N. Pre-Nursing
students, transfer students, and other majors) who are completing the pre-clinical
courses may apply for any unfilled seats in the clinical component of the nursing
major through non-freshman admission. Non-freshman admission is a competitive process,
and the number of unfilled seats may be very limited. Completion of pre-clinical courses
is required by the end of the fall semester prior to the spring in which seeking non-freshman
admission.
- Minimize the risk of harm to patients and providers through both system effectiveness
and individual performance.
- Advance nursing practice related to patient care technologies, information systems
and communication devices that support safe nursing practice.
- Achieve optimal individual, family, group, community and population outcomes guided
by clinical reasoning and appraisal of evidence of best practice.
- Demonstrate effective leadership through heightened self-awareness to empower others
in the attainment of optimal patient outcomes.
- Use mutually respectful communication, collaboration and leadership skills within
interprofessional teams in the management of care in diverse, complex, global and
dynamic healthcare systems.
- Participate as a nursing professional in the development and implementation of healthcare
policy, finance and regulatory entities, including local, state, national and global
healthcare trends.
- Provide patient-centered care by reflecting on the uniqueness of an individual patient’s
background, personal preferences, culture, values, traditions and family which promotes
optimal health outcomes by involving patients and families as they make clinical care
decisions.
- Demonstrate respectful, efficient, safe and well-coordinated transitions of the patient
through all levels of care.
- Provide respectful, efficient, safe and well-coordinated patient-centered care to
populations by reflecting on beliefs, values, attitudes and practices.
- Model professionalism with consistent demonstration of core values evidenced by nurses
working with others to achieve optimal health and wellness outcomes in patients, families
and populations by wisely applying principles of altruism, excellence, caring, ethics,
respect, communication, professional engagement, lifelong learning and accountability.
- Encourage evidence-based health promotion and make a positive contribution to immediate and long-term health status, through the provision of education to individuals, families, groups, communities and populations that encourages healthy behaviors and choices, prevention of disease, protection from preventable illness and disastrous emergencies.
What Can You Do With a BSN Degree?
Most BSN students go on to grad school; that is the primary goal of the program. Of course, you may also choose to follow a different path within the medical field.
- Registered nurse
- Writer
- Health coach
- Researcher
- Nurse Informaticist
- Nurse marketing consultant
The Basic BSN degree program includes a licensure component. Upon acceptance and completion of the BSN program, students are eligible to apply for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensure examination.
Some other opportunities that a BSN degree may prepare you for either alone or combined with appropriate certification are:
- Legal Nurse Consultant
- Nurse Case Manager
- Home Health Nurse
- School Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
- Forensic Nurse
- Critical Care nurse
- Medical/Surgical Nurse
- Emergency Department Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
The job outlook for BSN graduates is strong, with RN roles projected to continue to grow over the coming years. BSNs enjoy higher pay, leadership opportunities and access to advanced roles like nurse practitioner and nurse educator, which are in even higher demand!
Building Connections & Making a Difference
At the University of Wyoming, our Basic BSN program offers a close-knit, supportive community where students form lasting connections as they prepare for impactful careers in healthcare. The Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing fosters a friendly, professional and forward-thinking environment focused on active learning, collaboration, rural health and innovative practice. Students are able to build connections with their peers as they grow personally and professionally.
“The clinical experience and capstone were my favorite parts of the program. I felt like I was able to put what we learned into practice. The preceptors at the hospital were incredible!"
- BSN Graduate
